Why should you get a PNG file during your product photo shoot?

by Zelda de Hollander

Firstly, what is a PNG file?
A PNG file is an image file that has no background. So rather than seeing your product on a white background, it could be placed onto any colour background.

So, why is a .png file useful to my business?
You’re not limited to just a white background! Now, don’t get me wrong, having your image photographed professionally on a white background is invaluable for online shopping. But with a .png file you get the option of variety and diversity!

Why would I use a PNG instead of JPEG?
Let’s say for example you have a beautiful product shots on a single colour background, it fits perfectly on your website shop because it was shot to fit that. This image is so great, you also want it on your website homepage banner, your Facebook cover photo and to post it as an Instagram post. But it doesn’t fit or scale properly to all those sizes.

This is where a .png file is SO useful. You create the image size you’re after, whatever background colour you want, drop your PNG file in and scale it to fit whatever size you want! Let me show you…

You can use PNGs on any colour you like!

 

 

 

You’ll be able to scale the same product to fit to multiple sizes, such as website banners, squares for social posts and portraits for printed materials.

Is this limited to small products only?
Nope, check out these products including a caravan!

 

WE ARE OPEN! But, what are we doing to keep our customers safe for photo shoots?

by Zelda de Hollander

WE ARE OPEN
enquiries and consultations this week 18th – 24th May
Photo Shoot bookings from 25th May 2020

But, what are we doing to keep our customers (and us!) safe for photo shoots?

We are limiting the types of shoots we are undertaking to ensure that all parties are safe throughout the photo shoot process.

All consultations and pre-planning of photo shoots will be done over the phone or over email, all sales materials including invoices will be send digitally with no hard (printed) copies being exchanged in person. All images sent are digital, sent electronically.

We are currently only offering face to face photo shoots outdoors, and not in our home studio. Photo shoots such as head shots and portraits, so that we can adhere to social distancing rules easily.

Although face masks are not actually government advised for my line of work, I shall be carrying them with me and will be more than happy to use throughout our photo shoot if it would make you, or any member of your team, feel more comfortable. This can be discussed during our consultation. “When managing the risk of COVID-19, additional PPE beyond what you usually wear is not beneficial. This is because COVID-19 is a different type of risk to the risks you normally face in a workplace, and needs to be managed through social distancing, hygiene and fixed teams or partnering, not through the use of PPE”- Gov.uk

Studio Product Photography can still be undertaken, for products that can be dropped off to our Christchurch studio location & be left within our porch, to ensure no contact. These can then be picked up at an agreed later date.

We are also able to undertake all aspects of landscape photography; ideal for businesses to help showcase your local area, to provide updated website banners or to use as part of your social media campaigns.

Lastly, with the new government guidelines for the property market and allowing estate agents to do house viewings “Initial viewings should be done virtually wherever this is possible and property agents should help you to do this” we can provide interior photography to help aid with the virtual viewings.

So…..let’s chat!

01202 432234
info@studioshotz.co.uk

20 Questions with Dorset Business News: Photographer Zelda de Hollander of Studio Shotz Photography takes the hotseat

by Zelda de Hollander

By Andrew Diprose, Editor 

Each week we shine the spotlight on a member of Dorset’s business community and ask him, or her, for answers to our part fun/part serious questionnaire. This time…

She loves the smell of fresh flowers – and sizzling bacon – has been enjoying spaghetti bolognese since the age of five, enjoys meeting new people in her job and gets very frustrated at headshots which have been overly airbrushed.

Photographer Zelda de Hollander, of Studio Shotz Photography, takes the 20 Questions’ hotseat.

Question: What is your favourite TV show?

Answer: Recently I’ve been absolutely loving the writing of Phoebe Waller-Bridge so I binge-watched Fleabag and Killing Eve in a matter of days. Already tempted to re-watch them both!

Q: Who would you like to share a car with?

A: Annie Leibovitz. Would love to have a conversation with her about portraiture.

Q: The best bit of my job is…?

A: Meeting new people. Before every photo shoot I try and sit down with people, for even five minutes and just have a chat. Find out more about them. Also, it might sound a bit cheesy but I absolutely love showing people how good you can look without filters and Photoshop…

Q: And the worst…?

A: People that assume this isn’t my job and ask if this is my ‘weekend’ job/side hustle and what do I actually do?

Q: Who was your childhood hero?

A: My dad. I lost him a few years ago but he was the one that convinced me to become self-employed and go after my dream job of being a photographer.

Q: What’s your favourite smell?

A: Fresh flowers – or sizzling bacon.

Q: Where’s your favourite place in Dorset?

A: Bournemouth beach. Any weather. It’s just a beautiful place. You can’t beat a good storm and cloud formation though.

Q: What advice would you give to anyone starting out on a career?

A: Being passionate about your job is so important, but my advice is to actually get as much education as you can. I have a degree in commercial photography. It not only taught me photography but how to be in business, how to market myself and the behind the scenes nuts and bolts of running a creative business.

Q: What was your first record/CD?

A: I don’t actually remember exactly but it’s got to be something terribly embarrassing like Backstreet Boys or N Sync.

Q: What gets you angry?

A: A lack of manners. They’re free. Just be treated the way you’d want to be treated.

Q: Do you have a favourite piece of music?

A: My favourite band is Stereophonics, so anything by them. But recently my Alexa has got bored of me playing Twin Atlantic – Novocaine on repeat.

Q: What are the qualities you look for in a new employee?

A: I’m a bit of a lone wolf when it comes to business, but the amazing contractors I work with such as event organisers, make-up artists, stylists etc need to be organised, friendly, helpful. Being a real people person in this line of work helps immensely.

Q: What’s your favourite food or dish?

A: I’ve had the same favourite meal since I was five – Spaghetti Bolognese. I don’t think I’ll ever get sick of it.

Q: Steamed sponge pudding and custard or a plate of melon?

A: Well I can’t eat dairy so not the custard! Reluctantly, then, the melon.

Q: Name the best thing about living/working in Dorset?

A: The amount of diversity we have in such a small area; from the scenery of the beach to the countryside to the massive range of industries we have. There’s everything and more in Dorset!

Q: If you were Prime Minister for the day what would be the first thing you do?

A: Give more money and resources to the NHS. That’s the only correct answer, right?

Q: What’s your biggest frustration?

A: Terrible filters and heavy use of Facetune. You’re already beautiful; don’t mess with your face so it doesn’t even look like you anymore!

Q:  Where’s your favourite holiday location?

A: It may have been a ‘working’ holiday but I LOVED New York when I went with my university class. It was January or February and  -7ºc out but there was so much to see, to do and the people were so kind. They just loved our ‘posh’ accents! We spent the entire time taking photos. Absolute perfection.

Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time?

A: Hopefully still taking photos! As long as I’m doing that I’ll be happy.

Q: What would you like to be remembered for?

A: Being the friendly expert behind the camera, helping to make people feel comfortable in front of the camera and looking great too!

View the full article on the Dorset Business News website here

Calling all Brands that are selling online!

by Zelda de Hollander

My photography studio is based in my house! ???? Which means I can help in creating visual content for eCommerce platforms, which can help keep your brand pushing forward.

Selling on Amazon, eBay or your own website shop you’ll need high quality white background product shots to show your products quality, correct colourings, sizes and all uses within a single image. More than ever the images you see online will determine whether you make the sale or not.

If your products can be posted ???? to me then get in touch, lets chat and we can work through this together ????

✉️ info@studioshotz.co.uk

New studio package for families, couples and maternity shoots!

by Zelda de Hollander

We’re delighted to announce a new studio package for families, couples and maternity photo shoots!

Our new studio package is £250 which includes a studio photo shoot, with time for an outfit change as well as a password protected online album to view all your sessions images and 10 high resolution digital images of your choice.

Our studio photo shoot package is covers the photographer’s skills, specialist editing time & personal consultations as well as 10 digital images electronically transferred to you.

We offer a range of prints, bespoke wall art frames and canvas prints, please contact us if there is something specific that you want from your photo shoot. We’re here to create the bespoke package you want. We’re happy to offer additions and amendments to our photo shoots including use of a make-up artist, photographing on location and longer shooting times.
The studio operates on an appointment only basis, we are available Monday – Saturday, 9am – 9pm.

Christmas 2019 Opening Hours & Order Deadlines

by Zelda de Hollander

… I want a photo shoot before Christmas. Am I too late to book in?

If you are after images for Christmas, we highly recommend booking in your photo shoots in NOVEMBER. We’re open Monday – Saturday 9am – 7pm, Saturdays are our busiest day so we advise booking as early as you can, call us on 01202 432234 to secure your photo shoot session.

Our standard opening hours apply until Friday 20th December.

We’re open Friday 27th, Saturday 28th December, shoots available only by advance appointment.

We’ll then be closed until Monday 6th January 2020.

Last Shoot Day, with all products guaranteed by Christmas
Saturday 30th November

Last Shoot Day, with digital images only guaranteed by Christmas
Wednesday 18th December

We’re happy to book photo shoots throughout the Christmas period, where products can be ordered with processing & delivery in January.

Buying a gift voucher to give as a Christmas present? 

Last day for printed vouchers in the post; Monday 16th December 5pm
Virtual vouchers emailed to print at home yourself; Friday 20th December 1pm
Gift vouchers are valid for 3 months from 1st January

“I don’t need to hire a professional photographer, my iPhone is good at taking pictures”

by Zelda de Hollander

Sure, iPhone (all smartphone) cameras have come a long way in the past few years, but its is worth investing in professional images of your property ?
…. an image says a thousand words, just look for yourself

The photographs of your property most likely provide the very first impressions people have of your business. ?

Did you know that estate agent listings with professional photos sell for more money? Not only that, but they also sell faster! AND 92% of home-buyers use the Internet as part of their home search ? ?

We can help with home staging of your property and showcasing its features through composition and art direction.

 

 

#AskTheExpert Create your Own Photographic Content

by Zelda de Hollander

Just over a week ago I did something I’ve been scared to do for years. Stand up in front of a group of (utterly wonderful) people & give a workshop on Photography ? Imagery is such a vital part of creating engagement with your audience, an invaluable marketing tool that every business, no matter the size, needs.

As part of the #AskTheExpert series at GetSet East Dorset I delivered ‘Create your Own Photographic Content’ ?

My favourite part of the workshop was running around with everyone’s iPhones as part of the show & tell from the practical exercises we did ? ?‍♀️?

 

Neutral Backgrounds Still Rule Product Pages

by Zelda de Hollander

In the world of Amazon, product photography is king. You might have a great title or competitive price, but your Amazon product photography is the first thing everyone will see when they’re browsing items in your category.

Neutral Backgrounds Still Rule Product Pages ?
As you probably noticed, most of these approaches are for category pages and their equivalents. Once you get to an actual product page, product images have white, transparent, or neutral backgrounds.
Removing the background makes your images more consistent, removes distractions, and minimizes file size.
Plus, many marketplaces require white or neutral backgrounds for product images, and you really don’t want to reshoot for different channels ?

eCommerce Photography: White backgrounds rule the roost when it comes to eCommerce product photography. But why? It promotes consistency. Contributing to a uniform look and feel throughout the site. Just as it is important to ensure the brand identity of a seller is consistent, the same goes for photography. Emphasising the product with no distractions, shows the quality of the products finish and detail is the point of focus.

The numbers don’t lie: 75% of online shoppers rely on product photos when deciding on a potential purchase, let’s face it, it’s hard to describe some things & just easier to show it. People remember 10% what they hear, 20% what they read and 80% WHAT THEY SEE & DO ??

We offer a drop off service for product photography ? ideal for busy business owners in Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole & surrounding Dorset and Hampshire areas

? Drop your products off to us
? See & approve the images
? Come pick up your products

 

We’re 10 years in business!!

by Zelda de Hollander

Bournemouth-based photography business, Studio Shotz is celebrating its 10th year in business.

In March 2009, Zelda de Hollander started business straight from university, trading as Studio Shotz, a high street based photographic studio in Southbourne.

Zelda de Hollander gained her degree in Commercial Photography at The Arts University in Bournemouth after attending Twynham High School in Christchurch.

The first half of Studio Shotz’s successful trading life was in Southbourne Grove, specialising in studio portraiture and family photo shoots. Zelda de Hollander, owner of Studio Shotz Photography, says: “I set up the high street photography studio at just 21 years old, straight after I’d graduated, and was lucky enough to stay trading on the high street for 5 years.” Research from Bloomberg, has shown that 8 out of 10 entrepreneurs who start businesses fail within the first 18 months and a full 80% of businesses fail in less than two years. These are staggering statistics.

In 2014 Studio Shotz moved to become home-based so that the focus of the business could shift more towards commercial work and this enabled the business to become much more flexible. Zelda says: “Being based at home, I can work the hours that people need me and am not being restricted to the usual 9 – 5 shop hours. I loved my time trading from the high street, but working from home makes more sense for progressing my business.”

“I’ve have had the privilege of working with some amazing local businesses and people over the last decade, including JP Morgan, Barclays Bank, The Telegraph, Dorset Chamber and Enterprise Nation. I’m so proud of what I’ve achieved in the past 10 years, and can’t wait to see what the next 10 have in store!”